The Amazing Miracle Food That Really Works

Anti-aging, weight management, natural immunity, and detoxification of pollutants in our bodies are all topics of concern for us in the 21st century. Can it be that one substance provides a solution to all of these issues? According to news reports from Cornell University, the New England Journal of Medicine and the U.S. Government's center for Disease Control, to name a few, it seems there is. This substance is colostrums. Colostrum is a thick yellow fluid, rich in protein, growth and immune factors, produced by human mothers for approximately 72 hours after giving birth. Bovine colostrum, colostrum from cows is 100 times richer in immune factors than human colostrum. Even better, it is not species specific which means it can work in humans and lower mammals. The powerful immune and growth factors contained in colostrum brings the body to a natural state of health and well being. The following are some of the benefits of colostrum.

Anti-Aging
After puberty, the amount of immune and growth factors in our bodies begins to decline. As we age, we become more vulnerable to disease. We have problems with loss of muscle tone and weight gain and our skin becomes elastic. An aging person exhibits lower levels of growth hormone than a younger one. By the age of eighty we produce, basically, no growth hormone. Colostrum stimulates cellular and tissue growth, repairs and helps to reverse the damage done by disease and the natural aging process and aids in the renewal of skin and bones. This makes colostrum an invaluable tool in the fight against premature aging.

Weight Management
Fad diets, fasts, yo yo dieting and rapid weight loss result in the loss of lean muscle instead of fat. Colostrum contains IGF-1, the most powerful growth hormone in our bodies. The growth factors in bovine colostrum and Leptin assist the body in an increase of metabolism, a greater ease in building lean muscle and a reduction of fat. It also affects the neurotransmitters in our bodies which improves mental acuity. If you tend to eat when stressed or depressed, colostrum also aids in this regard.

Natural Immunity
Colostrum contains proteins that function as antibodies. These are the most powerful immune factors found in colostrum. A number of recent clinical studies have shown colostrum to contain antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties. Although colostrum, as a dietary supplement, is relatively new to the United States, physicians in India have used colostrum as a treatment for thousands of years.

Detoxification of Pollutants
In an optimal environment, where we get enough sleep, eat well, exercise regularly and put no toxins in our bodies the body is a very efficient mechanism. When these conditions are not met toxins build up in our bodies. Taking colostrum can result in a significant amount of cellular energy. This energy is used to expel the waste stored outside the cells. This waste leaves the body from whatever channel that is available. Sometimes you can experience cold or flu like symptoms when first taking colostrum, depending on the amount of toxic buildup. Make sure to get plenty of rest, drink plenty of water and eat simply while detoxifying.

Colostrum is a food. With the exception of allergic reactions in person's known to be allergic to cow's milk, it does not have any side effects at any level of consumption. It has no known drug interactions. In addition to adult consumption, it can safely be consumed by children and pets. However, according to tests conducted at Cornell University, true colostrum is colostrum from the first milking after the birth of the calf and collected within six hours of its birth. As always, use due diligence in deciding which products to buy.

Caffeine Addiction - A Problem To Be Solved As Early As Possible

We all have this pre-conceived notion that only coffee contains caffeine but that is not the case. Beverages like cokes and chocolate products contain caffeine. A hot cup of coffee with the morning sunshine sounds so tempting and revitalizing.

It has the ability to keep you awake and help burn that midnight oil in time of dire need. Coffee becomes a matter for social gathering. It helps you socialize by letting you bump into one of your colleagues in the office which otherwise wouldn't have happened.

It is being considered as one of your friend as it has helped you sit up late at night and clear those grueling Math's papers. With all the usefulness one can think of we also happen to know that coffee contains caffeine which is not good for your health.

Having coffee can help you remain alert but it is the aftermath you should be worried about the ill effects it has on your health. It is a stimulus which does wonders to your central nervous system by stressing the hormones in the blood stream and keeping you alert and awake whenever you have it.

This unnatural way of keeping your body alert takes a toll on your body. The normal way of functioning gets disrupted due to the intake of coffee or any other product which contains good amount of caffeine.

As caffeine gets into our system it makes us addicted. After knowing the ill effects of caffeine if you suddenly stop taking coffee, you will face caffeine withdrawal symptoms which can be anything from a headache, irritability, fatigue, constipation, lack of appetite, lack of concentration to even forgetfulness.

The withdrawal symptoms can be very harmful leading to stomach ulcers as the coffee can be acidic. This excess acid gets into your blood streams causing loss of calcium in urine. Caffeine which has been freely used in most of the beverages has led kids get addicted to it. The high content of sugar just makes it very popular among children which are the future generation with excess weight.

It is also the cause of abnormal fast, slow or irregular heartbeats. It is also known for increasing blood pressure which leads to constant stress and hypertension. There are increasing chances of heart disease; pancreas and bladder cancer which we all know can be very fatal.

The idea to quit caffeine should be very strong and not one to tampered with. The process should be slow and gradual. As we all know the withdrawal symptoms of caffeine is very bad. Avoid other caffeinated products which would just make matters worse. If you happen to drink 6 cups coffee a day cut it down. Try to have 2 cups green tea and 4 cups coffee and similarly as you go ahead you will completely stop till you got rid of caffeine from your life.

The New And Improved Nutrition Pyramid

Just when you were getting the Nutrition Pyramid down to an exact science, the USDA goes and releases an all new nutrition and diet plan for healthy Americans. On April 19, 2005, the United States Department of Agriculture unveiled its new My Pyramid nutrition pyramid. Available at its own web site (http://www.mypyramid.gov), the new guidelines aren't so much NEW as they are more in depth, detailed and helpful.

For starters, My Pyramid can be personalized. On the main page, you have the option of entering your age, gender and activity level. Simply click "submit" and get a recommendation that's more specific than '6-11 servings of grain per day'. Instead of those vague, wide-ranging recommendations, you'll get a pyramid that says, "6 ounces of grain products", or 2 1/2 cups vegetables.

Even if that were the ONLY improvement on the new site, it would be tremendous. No more guessing whether you should aim for closer to six servings or closer to eleven. The nutrition calculator factors in your age, gender and activity level (above your normal daily routine) to come up with a recommended caloric intake. From there, it breaks down the calories by food group, and tells you exactly how much of each group you should eat per day for a healthy diet. It's far easier to figure out what 2 cups of milk is than it is to figure out how much '3-5' servings of dairy is!

But it doesn't stop there. Beneath the pyramid chart with the specific serving sizes on it, you'll find a list of links to 'tips' for making the healthiest choices from each food group - divided by food group.<

There are some great diet tips there, along with ways to serve foods in appetizing and nutritious ways. A sampling from each category includes:

* Grain: Substitute whole grain cereal for bread crumbs in toppings.
* Vegetables: Try crunchy vegetables raw or lightly steamed.
* Fruits: Try applesauce as a fat-free substitute for oil in baking.
* Milk: Trim down from whole milk to fat-free gradually, week by week.
* Meat/Beans: Replace some of the meat in your diet with nuts.

Want to know how your actual diet stacks up against the dietary guidelines and get specific, personalized recommendations for improving it? Tucked away at the bottom of the list of links in the menu you'll find the My Pyramid Tracker. It's easily the handiest tool that I've ever seen. Enter the foods that you eat in a typical day, click Analyze, and you'll get a detailed analysis that includes the calories, the amount of over 25 specific nutrients, the difference between your diet and an optimum diet, and specific recommendations for changes you should make to eat a healthier diet. Better yet, you can save your history day by day to keep track of your eating habits and watch the improvements. It's the diet diary with a difference. Use it - and see yourself eating better every day.

Broccoli A Disease Fighting Resource

The name broccoli is derived from an Italian name 'Brocco'. It may not be a favorite vegetable for many, especially kids but it has great number of properties to benefit your entire body. It can be stated as one of the finest vegetables which fight numerous diseases. With the high vitamin content it tops the list in the vegetables department. It is known that broccoli has more Vitamin C in comparison to orange. It also has good amount of calcium which you find in abundance in our very own milk.

Just the presence of so many good qualities helps broccoli to combat many health problems. It contains components which fight deadly disease like cancer. Broccoli sprouts contains more cancer fighting elements in comparison to well-developed broccoli. Eating broccoli sprouts on regular basis prevents stomach cancer. It also minimizes your chance of gastritis and peptic ulcer. Your sun-damaged skin gets a sigh of relief as it protects your skin. This saves you from diseases like skin cancer. Your heart problems are reduced and chances of heart diseases slope down to minimal.

If you want to improve cataract problems, have broccoli sprouts at least twice a week. Your chances of having cataract are reduced immensely. It builds your immune system if you have broccoli in small amounts. It spikes your system due to the presence of zinc and other required minerals. It should be considered as a boon for many pregnant women because it contains folic acid. This folic acid is quite rare due to which broccoli becomes very important. It helps in proper development of the fetus without any defects. It is very good to help you with rheumatoid arthritis. The richness of vitamin C in broccoli saves you from suffering pain by polyarthritis. It is great for asthma patients due to its anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory factors. Many of your asthma problems are reversed by having broccoli. Deficiency of Vitamin C is the main cause of easy bruising. This deficiency is overcome by eating broccoli.

Home Remedies
Having par-boiled broccoli is very good to remove heartburn.
Eating broccoli can help you to reduce the high sugar level.
Warning: The reader of this article should exercise all precautionary measures while following instructions on the home remedies from this article. Avoid using any of these products if you are allergic to it. The responsibility lies with the reader and not with the site or the writer.

Vitamins and minerals that are depleted by the prescription drugs you take

In today's world every time somebody comes down with a cold they turn to prescription drugs, this might not be the wisest choice, if we are concerned with living a long and healthy life. In this fast paste world we want a quick fix, being down with a cold or disease like cancer is unacceptable, that's why most of us will turn to a prescription drug. Little did we know that as we take these prescription drugs they deplete our body of essential vitamins, minerals and phyto-nutrients our body needs to operate properly.
Safeguarding out bodies against vitamin and mineral deficiencies should be our number one priority. The following guidelines can help if you are on of the 20 million people out there using prescription drugs.

Calcium
Calcium is the first mineral that can be depleted by taking prescription drug. These drugs include diuretics such as Bumex, Demadex, Diuril, and Lasix, as well as, bone building drugs like Fosamax and anti-inflammation steroids Cortef and cortone can be deplete calcium in the body. You can help prevent calcium deficiency by eating foods rich in calcium. Foods rich in calcium are Kale, Cabbage, Dairy, and broccoli, if you do not consume several servings a day of these vegetables you might consider taking a calcium supplement.

Coenzyme Q10
Coenzyme Q10 is an enzyme vital to the creb's cycle (Energy production cycle in the body), if you are taking cholesterol medication Statins such as Lipitor, Lescol, Mevacor, Pravachol, or Zocor you will be at risk of Coenzyme Q10 depletion. Also, Sulfonylureas drugs such as Amaryl, DiaBeta, and Glucotrol for diabetics, you can be at risk. Eating oods high in coenzyme Q10 can help prevent COQ10 deficiency. The foods containing CoQ10 are Mackerel, red beets, sardines and organ meats, if you do not consume several servings of these meats and vegetables you might consider taking additional Coenzyme Q10 supplements available at any health food store.

Folic Acid
Folic Acid is a B Vitamin vital to both men and women but especially women in child bearing ages. If you are taking cholesterol meds, pain relief medications or diabetic medication such as Questran, Welchol, Celebrex, and Glucophage you may be at risk of Folic Acid depletion. The following are Foods high in Folic Acid. Broccoli, peas, beans, leafy greens, oranges and whole grains all have a good amount of folic acid in them. Folic Acid is relatively inexpensive you can find it at any health food store in 400mcg and 800mcg doses.

Magnesium
Magnesium is vital for muscle relaxation and bone building, if your taking diuretics bone building or steroidal anti-inflammation drugs you might be at risk of magnesium depletion. Foods high in magnesium are leafy greens, lean meat, beans, nuts whole grains, and seafood. Recent studies have suggested that 40% of the population are low in magnesium already, taking prescription drugs that delete magnesium can put one at risk for disease related to magnesium deficiency.

Potassium
Potassium is needed for proper nerve and muscle function. Also, potassium is essential for proper heart function. Prescription drugs that reduce potassium in the body are diuretics that reduce excess fluid and reduce blood pressure, Levodopa that is for parkinsons disease, and Steroidal anti-inflammation drugs. The list of foods high in potassium are as follows: bananas, dates, brown rice, garlic, nuts, avocados, and spinach. You can also find potassium in your local vitamin store usually selling at 99mg per capsule.

Vitamin A
Vitamin A is the next vitamin under attack, essential for proper eye development and immune system function, Vitamin A can be depleted by bile acid sequestrants, steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and Xenical. Xenical, a fat blocker, can also affect vitamin D and vitamin E. Foods high in vitamin A are as follows: Fish COD and SALMON, Liver and Dairy.

Thiamin (B-1)
Thiamin (B-1) is involved in numerous body functions, including: nervous system, muscle functioning and carbohydrate metabolism to name a few. Drugs that may reduce B-1 in the body are Antibiotics that help fight infections and diuretics. Foods high in B-1 and other B Vitamins are nuts and whole grains. You can find single B vitamins or B complexes at your local health food store. B vitamins are vital for proper stress management in the body as well they are essential keeping your body healthy and taken daily can help prevent drug related deficiencies.

Riboflavin (B-2)
Riboflavin (B-2) is required for cell growth and release of energy, formation of red blood cell, and synthesis of antibodies. Drugs that can delete riboflavin is Elavin for migraines. Foods high in Riboflavin are Dairy, lean meat, broccoli, and whole grains. B-2 can be found at your local Vitamin Store.

pyridoxine (B-6)
Vitamin B6 helps the body process protein and carbohydrates in food and helps produce hemoglobin (red blood cells). High cholesterol medications like bile acid sequestrants and steroid anti-inflammation drugs delete B-6 in the body. Foods high in Vitamin B-6 are Fish, leafy greens, bananas, and potatoes.

Vitamin C
Vitamin C is a great antioxidant to protect your body from free radical damage, helps strengthen blood vessels and reduce the incident of bruising when you bump your arms and legs on something. Diuretics and steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs deplete the body of Vitamin C, if you are taking these types of drugs make sure you consume lots of broccoli, citrus, potatoes, tomatoes and strawberries. Additional supplementation of vitamin C can help as well. Vitamin C can be found at any health food store.

Vitamin D
Vitamin D is important for strong bones and teeth and recent studies suggest Vitamin D may even help fight some kinds of cancer. If you're taking barbiturate sedatives like Butisol and Phenobarbital for anxiety or insomnia or blood pressure and steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs you could be at risk for disease involving vitamin D depletion. Sunlight is the primary way our bodies produce vitamin D and with our fast life styles nobody has time to lay in the sun for 30min a day, if you live in the north you receive very little vitamin D from the sun. Supplementing Vitamin D is essential for optimal health, available in 400IU and 1000IU doses.

Zinc
Zinc is essential for proper immune system function, hair, skin and nail formation. Taking anti-acids like Pepcid, prilosec, tagamet and zantec, also diuretics, and steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs will deplete your body of the essential mineral zinc. Zinc is found in lean meat and seafood, also can be purchased in 10mg – 100mg doses in your local vitamin store.

These are only a few of the essential vitamin and minerals that prescription drugs deplete from the body. It is important to eat your fruits and vegetables with every meal of the day. Most Americans do not eat the daily recommended fruits and vegetables required to stay healthy so alternative vitamin supplements are needed more and more every day. Biochemists have found that the nutritional values of fruits and vegetables have been steadily declining over the past 40 – 50 years due to the fast growing varieties the farmers are growing today. If you do not consume the recommended servings of Fruits and Vegetables consider taking a multivitamin supplement every day.

If you're not currently on a prescription drug and considering taking one please consult your doctor about all the known side effects and health issues that might result form taking the drug remember knowledge is power.